Birmingham, the second-most populous city in Alabama, is a really great place to live, as the cost of living is 22% less than the national average. However, Birmingham does have its downsides. The city ranks number one among the most dangerous cities in Alabama.
The worst thing is that insurance adjusters try to lowball people they’re supposed to be helping. It’s a common misconception that insurance adjusters are always impartial and looking for your well-being. In reality, they work for the insurance company, and their primary goal is to protect the company’s bottom line. The only way you can protect yourself from these adjusters is by hiring a Birmingham personal injury lawyer. They will negotiate with the insurance adjuster and secure fair compensation for your losses.
In this article, we’ll discuss some common tactics that insurance adjusters may use and offer advice on protecting yourself.
Insurance Adjusters Are Not Your Friends
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize the amount the company pays out in claims. This creates a conflict of interest, as their goal is to pay you as little as possible.
Never accept an initial settlement offer without consulting with a personal injury lawyer. Adjusters may make lowball offers, so it’s crucial to understand the full value of your claim before agreeing to anything.
Adjusters May Underestimate Claim Value
Insurance adjusters may not gather enough information to accurately assess the full value of your claim. They may make assumptions that benefit the insurance company, such as assuming that your injuries are not as severe as they are. It’s important to have a personal injury lawyer evaluate your case to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Adjusters May Employ Manipulation Tactics
Insurance adjusters may use various tactics to try to minimize your claim. They may offer lowball settlements, question the validity of your injuries, or suggest that your injuries were pre-existing. Adjusters may also prey on your vulnerability, especially if you’re injured and in pain. It’s important to know these tactics and consult a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights.
Avoid Providing Information to the Adjuster
Anything you say or do can be used against you by the insurance adjuster. They may use your words to minimize your claim or deny your coverage altogether. It’s important to be careful about what you share with the adjuster.
Here are some specific guidelines to follow:
- Limit your social media activity: Avoid posting about your accident or your injuries on social media. Adjusters may monitor your social media accounts and use any information they find against you.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement: The insurance adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement about the accident. It’s important to avoid doing this, as your words can be used against you in court.
- Don’t admit fault: Never admit that you were at fault for the accident. Even if you think you were partially responsible, avoiding admitting fault is important.
- Consult with a lawyer: Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you protect your rights and avoid making mistakes that could harm your case.
Adjusters May Offer Unfair Compensation for Totaled Vehicles
Insurance adjusters may offer you an unfair settlement for your totaled vehicle. The value of a totaled vehicle is determined by several factors, including its make, model, year, mileage, and condition. Adjusters may undervalue your vehicle by using outdated information or comparing it to similar vehicles in worse condition.
It’s important to review comparable vehicle sales in your area to ensure you receive fair compensation for your totaled vehicle. You may also want to consult a personal injury lawyer to help you negotiate with the insurance company.
Adjusters May Use Delay Tactics
Insurance adjusters may use delay tactics to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement offer. They may delay processing your claim or refuse to provide you with the information you need to evaluate your case.
Delays can negatively affect injured individuals, as they may need to pay medical bills and other expenses out of pocket. It’s important to be persistent and to consult with a personal injury lawyer if the insurance company is not cooperating.
Conclusion
Insurance adjusters may not have your best interests at heart. They may try to undervalue your claim, use manipulation tactics, or delay your case. It’s important to be aware of these tactics and to protect yourself by consulting with a personal injury lawyer before interacting with insurance adjusters. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.